Primary and Secondary Source Identification Activity

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Activity Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Activity Overview

This activity can serve as an introduction or a helpful formative assessment following the introduction of primary and secondary sources. Students will use a frayer model to assess whether a source is a primary or secondary source and why.

The completed example above is copied into the account when you click "Use This Assignment" and can serve as a helpful guide when reviewing the answers from students. However, a blank template is also provided for students and can be tailored depending on which documents you would like students to assess. You may choose to fill in the document titles for them and/or include an illustration or photo in the cell.

The four documents and correct answers for this activity are:

The Bixby Letter
Time Magazine
Birthday Photograph
Boston Tea Party Museum Artifact

Extended Activity:

For this extension activity, students should create a four-panel storyboard that represents objects, artifacts, or other historical or personal documents and their information. Similar to the example from above, students will define whether each document is a primary or secondary source along with the required rationale.

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Activities

Create a frayer model that assesses whether or not each source is a primary or secondary source.

Click "Start Assignment".
In each title box, identify the document's name or title.
In the description, assess whether it is a primary or secondary source and why.
Create an illustration for each document using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
Save and exit when you're done.

Blank Frayer Model Template with Title and Description Boxes

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Group

Type of Activity: Frayer Models

Copy Activity*

Activity Overview

This activity can serve as an introduction or a helpful formative assessment following the introduction of primary and secondary sources. Students will use a frayer model to assess whether a source is a primary or secondary source and why.

The completed example above is copied into the account when you click "Use This Assignment" and can serve as a helpful guide when reviewing the answers from students. However, a blank template is also provided for students and can be tailored depending on which documents you would like students to assess. You may choose to fill in the document titles for them and/or include an illustration or photo in the cell.

The four documents and correct answers for this activity are:

The Bixby Letter
Time Magazine
Birthday Photograph
Boston Tea Party Museum Artifact

Extended Activity:

For this extension activity, students should create a four-panel storyboard that represents objects, artifacts, or other historical or personal documents and their information. Similar to the example from above, students will define whether each document is a primary or secondary source along with the required rationale.

Copy Activity*

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Activities

Create a frayer model that assesses whether or not each source is a primary or secondary source.

Click "Start Assignment".
In each title box, identify the document's name or title.
In the description, assess whether it is a primary or secondary source and why.
Create an illustration for each document using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
Save and exit when you're done.